Which of the following correlation coefficients represents the strongest linear relationship?

• A. $r=0.60$
• B. $r=-0.99$
• C. $r=-0.20$
• D. $r=0.95$

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the correlation coefficient \(r\) measures the strength and direction of a linear relationship between two variables, and its value ranges from \(-1\) to \$1$.
2. Understand that the strength of the linear relationship is determined by the absolute value of \(r\), denoted as \(|r|\), regardless of whether \(r\) is positive or negative.
3. Calculate the absolute values of the given correlation coefficients: \(|0.60| = 0.60\), \(|-0.99| = 0.99\), \(|-0.20| = 0.20\), and \(|0.95| = 0.95\).
4. Compare these absolute values to identify which is the largest, as the largest \(|r|\) indicates the strongest linear relationship.
5. Conclude that the correlation coefficient with the largest absolute value represents the strongest linear relationship.